To Alderman Nutting, 3rd District of Wausau:
My name is Austin Given and I am a resident of Sheboygan
County. My wife and I moved to Wisconsin two years ago in pursuit of a good
career, beautiful landscape and a warm community. We LOVE Wisconsin.
We have also had the pleasure of visiting the beautiful city
of Wausau several times and enjoyed every minute. But frankly, your recent
statements in council regarding the PRIDE parade and the participants involved
disturbed us. My wife and I are Christians, Americans and now Wisconsinites.
Your statements simply did not reflect the core values of any of these groups.
As a Wisconsinite and American, I am baffled that a public
official so readily attacks the legal exercise of rights in public. To turn
your back on people within your community is indecent. The problem is not the
existence of gay people within your community. The problem is your reaction to
them. Not only did you judge them with disgust, you encouraged others to treat
them cruelly. Does Wausau want to be known for being cruel?
As a Christian I am offended you assume to know God’s
judgment. God is loving and kind and has perfect judgment. You, respectfully,
do not have the credentials. Your opinion highlights the importance of having a
PRIDE parade. Gay citizens are people and are part of our community. I do not
see how accepting the existence of gay people is in opposition to a peaceful
and loving society. Your position of judgment and disgust makes no positive
contribution to the community.
Above all, we are people pursuing our rights to live life
without fear of our neighbors’ and representatives’ reprisal. LGBT people and
their supporters march not to display “deviant behavior”; they march because
there are those that would presume to treat them as less than human. You and
your statements are proof of that.
We can do better. We can have a community that celebrates
individuality and rejects negativity. We can be positive without tearing others
down. And we can grow to understand that a strong community is based in
accepting all members as equal.
The best thing you can do to strengthen your community is to have a change of heart.
The best thing you can do to strengthen your community is to have a change of heart.
Respectfully,
Austin Given
Beautifully said. Word perfect.
ReplyDeleteWell said and beautifully stated!
ReplyDeleteAustin, so well put!
ReplyDeleteThank you.
ReplyDeleteMy comment while alittle late - Thank you Austin Given ! Would love to have your family in my neighborhood. You have a beautiful way of writing and having you and your family's support , I feel honored . Maybe you can join the Event For Equality on June 21. Hope to see you there !
ReplyDelete